Located in Springfield, Illinois, Nature's Select has carved out a reputation as central Illinois' go-to independent pet shop, and for aquarium hobbyists in particular, it's a place worth knowing about. This isn't a big-box retail experience — it's an owner-operated store where the person behind the counter genuinely wants to talk fish care with you. Multiple customers describe arriving frustrated after failed attempts at keeping freshwater fish alive using chain-store advice and supplies, only to find the owner willing to walk them through the fundamentals — water chemistry, proper equipment, feeding — with patience and detail.
That hands-on consultation approach is the store's signature. The owner asks questions before making a sale, working to understand what a customer's setup looks like and what they actually need, rather than just ringing up a transaction. Beyond fish, Nature's Select stocks a broad inventory of exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and small animals, making it a destination for Springfield pet owners with varied interests.
The store has a warm, lived-in atmosphere — the owner's dog is known to greet shoppers with a ball, adding to the neighborhood feel. Shelves are stocked with supplies across species, though some customers note that dog product selection is limited, reflecting the store's clear tilt toward exotic and aquatic animals. It's worth noting that no store is without its critics.
One experienced avian rescuer raised concerns about bird husbandry and the store's return policy, a reminder that doing your own research before any significant animal purchase is always wise. Still, the overwhelming consensus across hundreds of reviews points to a store where animal care knowledge runs deep and the owner takes pride in educating customers. For Springfield-area fishkeepers tired of generic advice and mass-market setups, Nature's Select offers the kind of personal guidance that can make the difference between a tank that struggles and one that thrives.
Lisa Needham
5 reviews
Dog supplies are very limited. I did purchase something but I didn’t get exactly what I was looking for.
Alyssia Walsh
2 reviews
This store is unique and amazing! We came in struggling to keep basic fish a live with our big box store supplies and knowledge. The owner of Natures Select took the time to explain all of the ins and outs and show us everything for proper fish care. Very knowledgeable and nice guy! We will definitely only be using his store going forward!
Rachel Brooks
2 reviews
Nature’s Select is the best pet store in central Illinois hands down! They have a wide variety of exotic pets including fish, small animals, birds and reptiles. The owner’s cute lil dog even greets customers and offers them a ball to play with whilst they are shopping. The owner clearly takes great care of all the animals there. In listening to him interact with customers, he asks a lot of questions and shares essential information before selling an animal to ensure they have the best possible outcome for success. He is very knowledgeable in the dietary and housing needs of everything in there. This place is a gem. Definitely worth a visit and I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great experience with a local pet shop.
Straightaway Cleaning LLC
6 reviews
I’m extremely disappointed with my experience at Nature Select and feel it’s important to share this so others can make an informed decision. The owner sold me a bird that he was clearly not knowledgeable about. Of the two birds involved, only one is still alive today—and that bird was ordered in from another store. The bird that Nature Select already had in-store died within a month. For context, I am not new to birds. I have rescued over 1,000 birds during my career with Tampa FL Birds and Rescue, so I’m very familiar with proper avian care. Based on everything I observed, I strongly believe the bird died due to nutritional deficiencies. The bird had been housed at the store for approximately 7 months before I purchased him and appeared to have been maintained on seeds only, with no proper fruits, supplements, or calcium. After I brought him home, I could not get him to eat fruits or supplements at all—likely because he had never been properly introduced to them. Sadly, this led to what is commonly known as sudden death syndrome caused by malnutrition. I contacted the store to give the owner an opportunity to make this right. He refused. His explanation was simply that he “couldn’t eat the cost.” That response alone tells me everything I need to know about how this business operates. For anyone wondering, the bird cost $800, so yes—I am extremely upset. I also want to point out that I spent nearly $2,000 at this store in a 24-hour period, and despite that, there was zero accountability. I do still have the bird that was ordered from another store through him, and thankfully that bird is doing well. However, due to the lack of knowledge, poor husbandry, and refusal to stand behind the animals being sold, I will not spend another dollar at this store. If you care about proper animal care, education, and ethical business practices, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere.
Bill Dart
20 reviews
Terrific pet store with knowledgeable staff who can help with all aspects of pet care. Definitely recommend!
Annie Graham (Moose)
14 reviews
I like it because it's got everything
Joshua Rooney
Went 10 minutes past open and the door was locked and the man inside just looked at us. We waited outside a couple minutes and decided to go elsewhere. Very strange.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (217) 529-6250 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Natures Select of Springfield.
Phone
(217) 529-6250Address
2739 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62703
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2739 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62703
February 7, 2026
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